Thursday Thoughts: Week 12 - Semi-Final

What an amazing semi-final. There were so many wonderful routines! It was one of the best shows all-round that we have seen for a long time. Highlight after highlight.

Tasha & Aljaž's salsa started off in a very high-energy way. Tasha's jump from the platform into Aljaž's arms was breathtaking. Her spins throughout were fast, without losing focus. I loved the first big lift, where she slowly walked her feet round the inversion. Unfortunately, the other lifts looked too telegraphed. You could see her lining up for them - put leg here for Aljaž to take hold. But I loved it otherwise.

Their waltz was stunning. It can be a hard dance to make interesting, but I was hooked from the beginning. Tasha was the perfect Disney princess. Gorgeous feet, gorgeous frame (although I did wonder if perhaps Aljaž's right arm was too high in places...), gorgeous rise and fall. I loved it so much, I almost didn't think about Murphy Brown at all...

I loved JB & Lauren's very gothic paso doble. The chemistry between them was spot-on. It was a battle, but yet they were so in sync with each other. It was passionate and dramatic. JB absolutely nailed it. The only thing which could have made it better would have been single-handed cape work. Loved it!

Their salsa was a total groove. It was more earthy than Tasha & Aljaž's routine, and had fewer challenging lifts, which I think was a good thing because it made for a slicker performance. This is the type of routine where JB thrives. Delightful.

Chris & Dianne's Charleston was light and fun. Full of funny moments. His swivvel was OK. It wasn't the most finessed Charleston we've ever seen, but it was entertaining.

Their Viennese waltz, however, was so effective and impactful. Nothing Else Matters is such as beautiful song, and they used it beautifully. It had so much emotion. They covered the floor beautifully well. I got really emotional watching Chris' flerkerl - it was possibly the first time anything had drawn attention to his disability in the whole series. He gave a brilliant attempt at something he has never seen. It got me. A routine which we'll remember in years to come.

I loved Sarah & Vito's tango. It was dramatic from start to finish, and packed full of content. As always, Vito threw everything it at, and Sarah nailed it. She left nothing on the floor. Amazing.

Their jive was a little 'upright' for me, which has been Sarah's issue with Latin throughout the competition. I wonder if her heels are a bit too high for her. They did seem to be ahead of the music through much of the routine as well. It was one of the weaker points of the night for me.

Pete & Jowita's foxtrot was a little close to American smooth for my taste, but he did a good job. It was classy and classic. Credit to Pete for never dancing over Jowita. So many celebs with shorter partners end up leaning forward, but he has always maintained his own frame and posture. The routine nicely showed how far he has progressed, although I am not keen on the "Mr. Strictly Come Dancing" proclamation. I disagree with statements of "what Strictly is all about". It's up to viewers to decide whether Strictly is about dancing, the partnership, the personalities or the journey. It's personal preference.

For the Argentine tango, it was clear that Jowita was in full Ola Jordan mode, totally dancing around Pete while he did a lot of standing. To his credit, he does present her quite nicely and lifts her well, but I wouldn't say he was leading her.

Like most others, I was relieved to see Pete leave the competition. I have really enjoyed his journey, but I prefer everyone else left.

I am now concerned that the final won't reach the peak of the semi-. It was so good. Can the final possibly top it?